Conveying mechanism.



' H. M. LANE.

CONVEYING MECHANISM. APPLICATION FILED Ange. l9l|3.

Patented Aug. 6, 1918. I

3 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

awvemtoz H..M. LANE.

CONVEYING MECHANISM. A APPLICATION FILED APR. 2 9. 191B. v I

Y Patented Aug. 6, 1918.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

- amuentoz H. M. LANE.-

f CONVEYlN-QMECHANISM. APPLICATION FlLED APR.29. 191B.

Patented Aug. 6, 1918.

a SHEETS-SHEET 3;

' anm'mtoz switches at-certain intervals, in combination 1 q .11, em, or nn'rnommicinem.

- comrme madame u.

To all tea-a may mam Be it known that I HENRY M. LANE, a

citizen'of the United gtates, residin troit, in the county of Wayne and tate of Michigan, have invented certainnew" and useful Improvements in Qonveying Mecha nism, of whicht'he followmg' 1s a specification.

This mechanism; and it COmPIISGS jBF conveylng system" for foundries and the like' wherein elevated t'rolle carriages .and traveling cranes are emp oyed, the system consisting.

of an overhead; track on which; trolle s are run, the overhead track being provide wlth with traveling" cranes running on suitable tracks and generallyat an angle' to the .trol

ley tracks, an d provided with girders or transfer-bridges, the crane glrders or transferihrid" es'f'being adapted to form tracks for said trdfiey to permit the trolley to be run on andoff the cranes, said girders bemg arranged at an an 1e" to the dlrection of travel of the cranes an adaptedto form a continuation of the switch tracks; all as more fully hereinafter set forth and as claimed In a foundry layout the building 1s gen;

erally divided into a number of separate An overspaces which are termed bays. head trolley track is arranged usually at one side running the entire length of the build-'- bays, one crane being provided for each bay.

The transfer bridges of the cranes are arranged at right angles to the direction of travel of the cranes and are adapted to form the main trolley track when all of the cranes are alined. The 'difiiculty 1n the use of a system of this character is that when'one ofj the cranes is moved down the hey, the track is broken.' Under such circumstances,1f a

molder in a bay toward the end of thelbiiild stecmeabn o1 mar-arena. .A pumm iua a aze, me. 'Seria11i'6.281,877.

at Deinvention relates to, {conveying Patented lie e 1918'.

ing wishes to get supplies, and one of the cranes nearer to the furnace has been moved down the bay, he must wait until this crane is brought back into position to complete the track before he can move his ladle to the furnace.

*Whe n a main trolley. trackfis provided, the transfer bridges or girders have also been arranged at right angles to the wheels of the crane, and'p'arallel to the main trolley tracks, A construction of this character necessitates. the use of verycomplicated "switching mechanism, turn tables and'the like and presents'serious difficulties. The cost of installing and operating complicated switching mechanism" for eachbay of a large foundry is'very great. and the delay occasioned in conveying the molten metal to the flasks is a serious consideration. In addition it is somewhat difiicult tohandlethe.

trolleys carrying the molten metal and there is a great possibility of accidents in trans ferring the trolley to the crane.

In the present invention I'have deviseda very simple method .of transferring the trolleyfrom the trolley'tracks to the transfer bridge or girder of the crane. The

transfer bridge is arranged at an acute'angle to the trolley tracks and substantially in v alinement with the switch rail of the trolley tracks when the, switch is in open position.

fromthe tracks to the crane by the simple "ley being run'on-to the switchtrack, and. from the switch track passing on to. the transfer bridge which is arranged in alinement with thes witch track. a

[In the present invention I employ an overhead trolley track which is shown of This permits the trolley to be transferred expedient of an ordinary switch; the trolthe monorailjtype and provide a plurality of switches" of jordina constr ction, the.

to provide aj-switch for each baand .a. travelingcranearranged in each 0 the bays switches beingaspaced' aong the track so as and running 'ontracks, the crane being provided with a P8111 ofwheels on each side,- the frontwhee'lonone side being in aline-'- :ment with hey; wheel on the other side and connected ::-by a-"squaring shaft, and the rane' being further provided with. a trangfer bridge for. girder arranged in the same'plane ,as the s witch' tracks and being arranged. at an angle to the squaring shaft,

the transfer bridge being adapted to form a continuation of the switch trark when the switch is open and the crane is properly, positioned withrespect thereto.

In the accompanying drawings I have shown several advantageous embodiments of mechanism are shown in greater detail. The

the invention. In this showing Figure 1 is a diagrammatic pla'n view showin a foundry ayoutin accordance with thls invention;

the line 2-2 ofFig. 1; I

Fig. 3 is a detailed plan view showing one of the cranes in alinement with a. switch track, and showing a trolley on the transfer bridge of the crane;

Fig. 4 is a side elevation of the construction shown in Fig.3;

Fig. 5 is a diagrammatic plan view of afoundry layout showing the main trolley track provided with ,a return track, and showing bays arranged on each side of the main track and Fig. 6 is a plan view of the crane showing naces 4. Branch track 5 may be employed for conveying sand molds, equipment, etc.,

into the foundry. The branch track is con-' nected to the loop'by a switch 6. At the other end of the building the main track may be continued outside of the building to permit the trolleys to'be-used for convey ing flasks, etc., into the building (not shown) The main track is provided with a plurality of switches 7, one switch bein providedfor each of the bays except the en one. The main track terminates'at the end ofthe next to last bay, as at 8. Switches .9 and 10 connect the main track to the loop. The transfer bridges of the crane are indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 1 as at 11 and, as shown, are adapted to form a continuation of the'switch tracks when arranged in proper position. Connecting tracks .12 are the end of the transfer bridge. The last bay isprovided with the ordinary type of crane in' whichthetransfer bridge is arranged parallel to the main tracks, and when the crane is run to the extreme end of the bay it forms a continuation of the main tracks as indicated in dotted lines at 13.

In Fig. 2 of the drawings, the main track, a switch rail and a transfer bridge are shown and designated by the same reference numerals as in Fig. 1. In this view is shown a supporting girder 14 upon the top of which is arranged a track 15 for the crane. The girders 14 are a part of the main frame ea work of the building and are supported by Fig.2 is a vertical sectional view taken on trated a switchin I the squaring shaft provided with a univer- Referring to Fig. 1 of the'drawings, thefoundry A is divided into a number of bays arranged between the end of the switch and na'raeoo nected to them by suitable means at 18.

. In Figs. 3 and 1 of the drawings, the construction of the crane and the switching as crane is best provided with four 1 wheels which travel on tracks 15 and, as shown, the front wheel 19 on one side of the crane, is in transverse alinement with the rear wheel 20 on the opposite side of'the crane and is connected thereto by squaring shaft 21. The. transfer'bridge 22 is carried by the dependmg supports 23 and is arranged at an angle to the squaring shaft. nism may be employed for operating the swltches. In the drawing I have illusmechanism of an ordinary type. In this construction the switch- 1ng mechan1sm is supported by girder 24 and carries a pulley or wheel 25. A-chain 26 passes over the pulley, and-is provided with dependin handles (not shown) the I handles extendlng down a suitable distance within reach of the person,,operating the 9 switch. Connecting rod 27 is connected to the pulley and is also connected to switch block 28. This block is arranged on the end of the switch. Switch block 28 carries roll-- ers 29 which travel on girder 24. When the .95 pulley is revolved the crank moves the switch block thereby throwing the switch rail 1nto position. The switch block is prov vlded with extensions, not shown, which abut against the open end of the track and prevent the trolleys from running into an open switch. In Figs. 3 and 4 Ihave shown a trolley 30 on the transfer bridge. The trolley best comprises a substantially U- shaped frame 31 carrying rollers 32. The 106 rollers are adapted to run on the lower flange of the trolley tracks and transfer bridges, which, as shown are best made of I-beams. The trolley frame is provided with a hook or eye 33 to which is secured the rod-34 which carries the ladle or pot of molten metal or other material.

In the construction shown in Fig. 5 of the drawings I have shown the main trolley system provided with a return track. The main track 35 is similar to the track shown in Fig. 1 and is provided with switches 36' for each of the bays. Connecting tracks 37 are provided near each switch. Thereturn track 38 is provided .with switches 39 at suitable intervals connecting it to the main track. In this instance I have shown the tracks arranged in the'cen'ter of the building with bays 40 arranged on one side of the Any type ofmecha- 80 p the Wheels will run at .the same speed and This, section is connected 'to the" main track [by one of the switches 36. At the other.

end, the'loop' is provided with switch 45 connecting it to the opposite section ofthe return track or to the main tracks and 35'.

In Fig. 6 of the drawings, I have shownv a crane in which the wheels 19 and 20 are not in alinement, and in which the squaring shaft is provided with a universal joint 46.

It is advantageous toconnect one wheel onone side of the crane with a wheel on the other side of the crane'by ashaft so that therefOre eliminate .p ibil iy of the crane jumping the track. However, it is not absolutely necessary to have wheels 19 ed by a universalgjoint as shown in Fig. 6'. v The methodof employing this system in the-form shown in- Figs: 1 to 40f thedraw ings is as follows When a'molder in one of thebays 1 wishes to obtain molten metal from the furnacethe l crane, carrying the bucket or other recep-' tacle for the metal is moved over track 15 t0 the end of the bay and the transfer bridge v22 is alined with the'connecting rail .12 and the switch 3, the switch being arranged in openposition as shown in Fig. 1'. The trolley is run over the connecting rail on to the switch, and from there it passes on to the main rail 2. The trolley is propelled alongthe main rail by the workman, any suitable means being employed for this purpose, Any open switches are closed by hand thetrolley' being moved towardv the loop 3. When switch 9 or 10, as the case may be, is

' reached, the switch is thrown'into position to connect it to the loopand the trolleyjis run into the loop. The ladleis then filled with molten metal and run'over the other switch (9 or 10) back on to the main tracks. The trolley is then moved bver the main tracks in the opposite direction until the switch leading to the bay in which the metal is to be used is reached. The trolleyis run past the bay and the switch is opened and the trolley backed on to the switch from whence it passes on to the connecting rail 12. .Thecrane is arranged with the transfer bridge 22 inalinement with the connecting track and the trolley'passes from the connecting track to the transfer bridge. The

crane is then moved along tracks 15 to the When the present system is employed in a foundry of relatively large size it is advantageous to provide a return track as shown. 'in Fig. 5.

possible for trolleys to be traveling in one 9. he 1 0 provided atone u "with 'a switch 43 connecting it to eitherjthe; return'tracki 38 01 to a section oftracl'r'g44y i; which is} -ready to bemoved inthe opposite In the foundry layoutshown in Fig. 1 of the drawings'it is onlydirection has to wait untilv the' ti'ack 'is clear.

As a n' iatter of fact, in a small foundry this Y condit on' arises so seldom that'it is negli-' "gibl e, and .it is ibetter to employ the single track system atjaninitia'l saving in thecost of. installation. In a foundry of'g'reater' capacity, however, delays [ofthis sort; are -more, frequent and itis advantageous" to install the return track systemat a greater initial costin order to'avoidsuchdelays. a ,In the construction shown in Fig. 5f'of] the drawings the trolleysfti'afvel from the track 38 and returnxto the bays over main b'ays40 a1id41to-the loop'42 ovemet rn-fso tracks 35 and 35'." Whenatrolley is to be carried from one'of the bays'40, .shownto the left of loop '42, the itrolleypasseson to and 20' in alinement, as they can be connectmain track 35 over' switch136 in a manner similar to that-employed infthe form. shown in Figs 1. Thextrolley then passes over Whent e receptacle "hasl beeni filled with molten metal, switch 45iis arranged to-con-,

switch 39 on to the return t k 3 a v it asses Qh43 to thefloop" 42.

nect loop 42 with the main track35 and the-f loop is run on to the main track 35 the same manner as ust described, thence aover switch 39 to return track,38.-i- Switch: 45 is arranged to connect return track -33,-with loop 42, and the'trolleyisfrun on to. the loop.

run over switch 43 on 'to the short section of track 44 and the switch 36is thrown to After it has received the molten metal f'it is its extreme position connecting track Wlt h'fihfl main track. The trolley passes along the main track, over switch '36, over the connecting track 37 to the transfer bridge 22.

when the y. is inloiie of the be. 4i.

it is run on to the main track 35",over switch 39v ontoreturn" track .38, whence it passes. to the loop in the mannerjjust described.

From the loop the trolley may be backed out over switch 451011 'to main' track 35 .whence it is returned to bay 41,'or,'-i f anothe'rfi; I

trolleyhascome into'th'e loop and the trackis not clear thereby preventing it from backing; it may pass from the loop over switch 43 and run' along main track 35 to one of'the switches 39. From the switch39 it may pass on to return track 38, thenoe'overswitch 39' to main track 35'. g In the I specification I; have: described my invention in connection' with; -foundries,'-and employed as means for conveying molten I metal from the furnaces tojtheflask's. However, I do not wish to Sl'fftothis particular utilization of the invention, since the system may be employed in connection with any type of plant in which a trolley runs from one point in the plant to another, by means of an overhead trolley system, and a traveling crane.

rather than restrictive.

What I claim is 1. An overhead trolley system, in combination, a main track, a traveling crane ar ranged to travel at an angle to the main track, a transfer bridge earned by the crane,

and switches for .the main tracks, the trans-i fer bridge being arranged at an angle to the crane and 1n alinement with one of said 4 switches when the swltch is in open position.

2. The combination with an overhead trolley system provided; with a switch track, of a traveling crane, havinga transfer bridge arran ed at'an acute angle to the crane, the trans er bridge being arranged to alin'ewith the switch track when in open position and to form a continuation of the sWitchtrack.

3. A traveling crane having forward and rear wheels, the forward wheel on one side of the crane being substantiall in alinement with the rear wheel on t e opposite side of the crane, a squaring shaft connect- 4. In a foundry layout having The above description of the invention is meant to be illustrative.

- y transfer bridge carried by each of said l cranes, said transfer bridge being arranged at; an angle to form a continuation of said sition. y I

- 5.. In a foundry layout having a plurality ing said alined Wheels, and a transfer bridge carried by said crane at an angle to said squaring shaft. 1 plurality of ba s, the combinationjof a, main trac provi ed with switches for eachof said bays, a traveling crane in each bay, and a switch track when the switch is in open poof bays, the combination of a main track provided withswitches for each of said bays, a traveling'crane in each bay, a transfer bridge carried by each ofsaid cranes, said transfer bridge being arran ed at an. angle to form a continuation of-said switch track when the switch is in open positionand a connecting track between the transfer bridge and switch track. 6. A traveling crane provided with wheels, a transfer bridge, the transfer bridge being arranged at an acute angle to the axes of the wheels.

In testimony whereof, I afiix my signature hereto.

HENRY M. LANE. 

